Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2025

Author Spotlight: A Novel Setup to Conduct Naturalistic Laboratory Experiments with Real Human Actors in Scenarios
Published on: August 4, 2023
Experimental research on non-idealized models: A systematic literature review
Orpha de Lenne1, Laura Vandenbosch2, Tim Smits3
1School for Mass Communication Research (SMCR), Faculty of Social Sciences, KU Leuven, Parkstraat 45, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Research Foundation Flanders (FWO-Vlaanderen), Egmontstraat 5, 1000 Brussels, Belgium.
None:
Current literature on non-idealized models seems to offer mixed evidence on whether such models generate a positive body image and increase advertising effectiveness. To closely investigate this claim, we conducted a systematic review to summarize the empirical findings on the effects of non-idealized models on body image, well-being, and advertising outcomes among men and women. To contextualize these results, we also synthesized (1) the conceptualization of a non-idealized body size (i.e., labelling and operationalization), (2) the message accompanying the model (i.e., medium type and marketing intent), and (3) individual traits of participants tested as potential moderators. Three databases in different disciplines (i.e., ProQuest Psychology, Communication and Mass Media Complete, and Web of Science) were searched, and 86 unique studies were included in the review. While most studies found positive or null effects of non-idealized models on body image, well-being, and advertising outcomes, a small number of studies obtained negative results. These inconsistent findings could be explained by the large variety of labels and unclear operationalizations identified within our review. The conclusions of this review call for a clearer definition and measurement of non-idealized models.
Related Concept Videos
Mechanistic Models: Compartment Models in Individual and Population Analysis
Typical Model Studies
Model Approaches for Pharmacokinetic Data: Physiological Models
Mechanistic Models: Compartment Models in Algorithms for Numerical Problem Solving
In individual population analyses, different algorithms are employed, such as Cauchy's method, which uses a...
Experimental Designs
Mechanistic Models: Overview of Compartment Models

